Bulls' Rajon Rondo has support of teammates, coach after one-game suspension

Along with skills that make him one of the NBA's premier point guards, Rajon Rondo carried a reputation for creating controversy at each stop of his career before signing with the Bulls in July.

By all accounts, Rondo had been a model citizen with the Bulls, but that changed with Monday's announcement of a one-game suspension for "conduct detrimental to the team." Rondo served the suspension when the Bulls faced the Trail Blazers on Monday night at the United Center.

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Rondo had an emotional exchange with associate head coach Jim Boylen during and after Saturday's loss to the Mavericks, including throwing a towel in Boylen's direction during the game, according to multiple sources.

Rondo quickly apologized to the coaching staff and his teammates, two sources said. He met with coach Fred Hoiberg on Sunday and attended a team holiday party. Rondo and Hoiberg also spoke on the phone Monday afternoon, and afterward Hoiberg said he is "very confident in my relationship" with Rondo.

Rondo played poorly in the Mavericks game, committing five turnovers with two points and two assists.

"This is just another bump in the road," Butler said. "He's a phenomenal damn teammate and I back him on everything.

"These things happen, and when things happen you handle it the way you're supposed to handle it. I think we all love Rondo; I know I do. He's been a great mentor to me (and) made me a much better player."

Dwyane Wade added after the game: "Whatever happened, the organization took care of it. As players we support each other, we back each other. This is an emotional game. Guys have emotional moments. They handled it the way they thought was best and we move on."

It's the third consecutive season during which Rondo has drawn discipline. The Mavericks suspended him for conduct detrimental to the team in February 2015. The NBA suspended Rondo one game last season, when he played for the Kings, for using a homophobic slur at official Bill Kennedy.

Butler said this latest incident will not further damage Rondo's reputation around the league.

"I don't feel his reputation fits him at all," Butler said. "Rondo is an incredible basketball player, friend, brother to me now, to us. We love him here. I think the fans love him as well (and) the organization. Everyone has nothing but great things to say about him. I don't see where that reputation came from at all."

Hoiberg repeatedly refused to get into details about the suspension but echoed Butler's high opinion on Rondo's time with the Bulls.

"I would absolutely agree with what Jimmy said," Hoiberg said. "Rajon has been a great teammate. I've enjoyed the relationship that we developed and ... it's not going to change moving forward."